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Is balance impaired by recurrent sprained ankle?
1Biomechanics Laboratory, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital, Tel-Aviv University Medical School, Ra'anana, Israel.
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Postural sway during single leg standing is similar for uninjured and sprained ankles. Closing eyes increases sway in both ankle types, indicating reduced reliance on visual input for balance.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Kinesiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Ankle sprains are common injuries affecting joint stability.
- Recurrent sprains can lead to chronic instability and altered proprioception.
- Assessing balance during single leg stance is crucial for understanding ankle function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare postural sway in uninjured and chronically sprained ankles during single leg stance.
- To investigate the effect of visual input (eyes open vs. closed) on balance.
- To evaluate the role of proprioceptive feedback in maintaining stability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a force plate system to measure anteroposterior and mediolateral ground reaction forces.
- Subjects performed single leg stance with eyes open and eyes closed.
- Analyzed differences between uninjured and sprained ankles using two-way ANOVA.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in ground reaction forces between uninjured and sprained ankles.
- Closing eyes significantly increased reaction forces in both ankle conditions (P < 0.05).
- Visual input plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, especially when proprioception is compromised.
Conclusions:
- Postural sway is comparable between chronically sprained and uninjured ankles during single leg stance.
- Visual input is essential for balance control, overriding ankle status.
- Proprioceptive feedback's contribution to single leg stance balance is less significant than visual input.